In this episode we share the remarkable story of "Mary" (a pseudonym to protect her privacy), a woman whose determination, integrity, and resilience helped her rise from humble beginnings to the role of General Manager of an hotel in Africa.

Starting with no connections, no job prospects, and even being asked for unspeakable "favors" just to get a chance at work, her story is one of courage in the face of cultural challenges.

We explore how Mary fought for her first job, the struggles of women in male-dominated work environments, and how she is now mentoring younger women. The deep love she has for her job, makes her hotel a special place.

This is a raw and inspiring conversation about resilience, leadership, and the power of staying true to one’s values.

Deutsch: Du kannst diesen Podcast auch auf Deutsch hören: “Africa with André auf Deutsch”

👉 If you’ve enjoyed this episode or have thoughts to share, please reach out: [email protected]

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Sound credits: uppbeat.io/ and https://pixabay.com/ 

In this second part of our Angola travel series, André takes you on an unforgettable tour of Angola’s natural wonders and hidden landmarks. Discover the majestic Kalandula Waterfalls, the impressive Tundavala Gorge, and the iconic Serra da Leba mountain pass – all must-see sights for any visitor.

You will meet João, a passionate local tour operator, who is on a mission to share Angola’s magic with the world. He tells us about Angola’s cultural heartbeat: the rhythms of Kizomba and Semba, and the vibrant Angolan Carnival. We also hear about the mystical Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo, and how the fearless Queen Nzinga is still admired today.

If you're looking for unspoiled landscapes, authentic culture, and off-the-beaten-path African adventures, this episode is an initial guide to traveling in Angola.

Deutsch: Du kannst diesen Podcast auch auf Deutsch hören: “Africa with André auf Deutsch”

** Please tell your friends about this podcast, and leave me a rating on Spotify or Apple. I would love to hear from you - send me your questions, comments and ideas to [email protected]  **

Serra da Leba: https://welcometoangola.co.ao/en/directorio/serra-da-leba/

Tundavala Gap: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tundavala_Gap

The Muila People: https://www.101lasttribes.com/tribes/muila.html

Ndalatando Botanical Garden: https://welcometoangola.co.ao/en/directorio/centro-botanico-do-kilombo/

Porcelain Rose: https://worldsensorium.com/angola/

Kalandula Waterfall: https://edition.cnn.com/travel/kalandula-falls-angola

Pedras Negras: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Rocks_at_Pungo_Andongo

Baia dos Tigros: https://angola-tourism.com/baia-dos-tigres/

Lubango: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lubango

Around Lubango: https://edition.cnn.com/travel/lubango-angola-destination

O Pensador: https://www.hoteisangola.com/en/conheca-nosso-pensador.html

Musicians:

Paulo Flores: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulo_Flores

and on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/13y1zLuj38wQ2HtSSMa13M

Yuri da Cunha: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuri_da_Cunha

And on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Qw3RHD3R95D98alngBJOZ

Pure & Authentic Tourism Angola: https://www.pa-angola-tourism.com/

Kleber Group: https://klebergroup.com/

Diamir: https://www.diamir.de/

ASR – Alliance of Independent Travel Companies (Germany): https://asr-berlin.de/

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Sound credits: uppbeat.io/ and https://pixabay.com/

Join André as he visits Angola, a raw and authentic corner of Africa, ready to reveal its secrets.

In this first of two episodes, André explores the vibrant capital Luanda, the cooler highlands of Lubango, and Angola’s complex history - from the ancient African kingdoms, the colonial era, the Civil War, and the period of re-building since then.

We meet local tourism professionals, including Irene, Pepe, and Richard, who share their insights on Angola’s people, diverse cultures, and landscapes—from the source of the Okavango to the striking Namibe Desert.

Whether you’re a curious adventurer, a cultural explorer, or a tourism professional, this episode offers interesting insights into Angola’s potential as a must-visit African destination.

Deutsch: Du kannst diesen Podcast auch auf Deutsch hören: “Africa with André auf Deutsch”

** Please tell your friends about this podcast, and leave me a rating on Spotify or Apple. I would love to hear from you - send me your questions, comments and ideas to [email protected]  **

Luanda: https://welcometoangola.co.ao/en/directorio/o-que-fazer-em-luanda/ and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luanda

National Slavery Museum: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Museum_of_Slavery

Viewpoint of the Moon “Miradouro da Lua”: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/miradouro-da-lua-viewpoint-of-the-moon

Lubango: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lubango

Giant Sable Antelope: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_sable_antelope

Operation Noah’s Ark: https://mg.co.za/article/2003-05-31-operation-noahs-ark/

Iron Palace in Luanda: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pal%C3%A1cio_de_Ferro and https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-iron-palace-luanda-angola

Pure & Authentic Tourism Angola: https://www.pa-angola-tourism.com/

Kleber Group: https://klebergroup.com/

Diamir: https://www.diamir.de/

ASR – Alliance of Independent Travel Companies (Germany): https://asr-berlin.de/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africa_with_andre

Subscribe to Email reminders when episodes go live: www.africawithandre.com

Sound credits: uppbeat.io/ and https://pixabay.com/ 

It’s probably something you wouldn’t have thought to do – but do yourself a favour and book a Cycle Tour through Soweto, near Johannesburg.

We chat with Maria Malepa from Lebo’s Backpackers & Cycle Tours about why this vibrant, historic part of South Africa deserves a deeper look.

Maria shares the inspiring story of her late husband Lebo, who turned a small homestay into a thriving community tourism hub. We discuss what makes Soweto unique, why cycling is the best way to experience it, and the unexpected moments—like being spontaneously invited to a wedding!

If you want to see the real South Africa, this episode is your starting point – it will help you really understand the amazing people. 🇿🇦🚴🏾

Deutsch: Du kannst diesen Podcast auch auf Deutsch hören: “Africa with André auf Deutsch”

** Please tell your friends about this podcast, and leave me a rating on Spotify or Apple. I would love to hear from you - send me your questions, comments and ideas to [email protected]  **

Lebo’s Backpackers & Cycle Tours: https://www.sowetobackpackers.com/activities/bicycle-tours/

Apartheid Museum: https://www.apartheidmuseum.org/

Hector Pietersen Memorial: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hector_Pieterson_Museum

South African Tourism – Gauteng province: https://south-africa.net/south-africa/gauteng/

Joburg Tourism: https://visit.joburg/Home/Home

Miriam Makeba: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miriam_Makeba

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Sound credits: uppbeat.io/ and https://pixabay.com/ 

How does a luxury train company give back to the communities it travels through? In this engaging follow-up conversation, André reconnects with Tiffany Vos-Thane, and we dive into Rovos Rail’s sustainability efforts—from using bamboo products and locally made amenities to cutting water use by 90% with custom-built vacuum toilets (yes, it’s fascinating!).

We also explore Rovos Rail’s ambitious journeys across 10 African countries, including pioneering trips into Angola and the challenges of navigating visas, corruption, and unpredictable rail lines.

If you love travel, adventure, and brilliant problem-solving, this episode is for you!

Deutsch: Du kannst diesen Podcast auch auf Deutsch hören: “Africa with André auf Deutsch”

** Please tell your friends about this podcast, and leave me a rating on Spotify or Apple. I would love to hear from you - send me your questions, comments and ideas to [email protected]  **

Rovos Rail: https://rovos.com/

Rovos Rail partners with these South African companies for their sustainability products:

Msulwa Life: https://msulwalife.co.za/

Katavi Botanicals: https://katavibotanicals.com/

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Sound credits: uppbeat.io/ and https://pixabay.com/ 

Ever wondered how a family with zero tourism experience created the most luxurious train journey in Africa? In this first of 2 episodes, we chat with Tiffany Vos-Thane, daughter of Rovos Rail founder Rohan Vos, about how her parents turned their love for trains into a world-famous experience.

Tiffany shares behind-the-scenes stories, from the early struggles to setting new standards in train travel — such as private en-suite bathrooms before anyone else had them. Plus, hear how Rovos empower their staff to ensure that their guests have the most wonderful journeys. And how they create world-class meals from a surprisingly tiny kitchen.

This is history, luxury, and a whole lot of passion—on wheels!

Deutsch: Du kannst diesen Podcast auch auf Deutsch hören: “Africa with André auf Deutsch”

** Please tell your friends about this podcast, and leave me a rating on Spotify or Apple. I would love to hear from you - send me your questions, comments and ideas to [email protected]  **

Rovos Rail: https://rovos.com/

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Sound credits: uppbeat.io/ and https://pixabay.com/ 

Ever dreamed of running a safari lodge? Thijs Claassen did—and then found himself fixing water pipes at dawn, dodging elephants, and managing last-minute vegan wedding requests… in the middle of the African bush! In this episode, we take you inside Elephants Crossing, a lodge nestled in the breathtaking, malaria-free “Welgevonden Game Reserve”, where Thijs and his wife Noortje built their dream after leaving the Netherlands.

Expect funny stories, heartwarming moments, and a glimpse into what it takes to run a luxury lodge in the wild. Plus, why are elephants called "the ninjas of the bush"? Tune in to find out! 🐘

Deutsch: Du kannst diesen Podcast auch auf Deutsch hören: “Africa with André auf Deutsch”

** Please tell your friends about this podcast, and leave me a rating on Spotify or Apple. I would love to hear from you - send me your questions, comments and ideas to [email protected]  **

Elephants Crossing Lodge: https://elephants.crossinglodges.com/

Welgevonden Game Reserve: https://www.welgevonden.org/

South African Tourism – Limpopo province: https://south-africa.net/south-africa/limpopo/

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Sound credits: uppbeat.io/ and https://pixabay.com/

Botswana is one of the ultimate destinations if you want to go on safari. Why is travelling to Botswana more expensive than other destinations? How do you run a camp or lodge in what feels like the middle of nowhere? What should you know about a visit to this country in southern Africa? James, who works at Desert & Delta Safaris, explains this to us. He also talks about his favourite birds (one sounds like a champagne cork!), and about a new opportunity for visitors to see the cultural side of the country. Be inspired to travel!

Deutsch: Du kannst diesen Podcast auch auf Deutsch hören: “Africa with André auf Deutsch”

** Please tell your friends about this podcast, and leave me a rating on Spotify or Apple. I would love to hear from you - send me your questions, comments and ideas to [email protected]  **

Desert & Delta Safaris: https://desertdelta.com/

Nxamaseri & Tsodilo Hills: https://desertdelta.com/camps/nxamaseri-island-lodge/

Tsodilo Hills on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsodilo

James’ podcast “Inspiring African Travel”: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LK7s27vRQl19aGlUGw8AC?si=db3ab6533e22487a

Aardvark: https://www.awf.org/wildlife-conservation/aardvark

Bird: Collared Pratincole: https://ebird.org/species/colpra and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collared_pratincole

Bird: Black-bellied bustard: https://ebird.org/species/bkbbus1 and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-bellied_bustard

Botswana Tourism: https://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/

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Sound credits: uppbeat.io/ and https://pixabay.com/

What happens when a child growing up in a remote village never sees a map, a book, or a story about the world beyond their home? Hilma Weber knows firsthand—and she’s on a mission to change that.

In this episode, we chat with Hilma about her journey from Namibia to Switzerland and how her passion for books led her to create library boxes for underprivileged children. We dive into her beautifully illustrated Children’s Picture Atlas of Namibia and Africa, why maps spark curiosity, and how she’s inspiring a love for reading.

Plus, we hear a hilarious story about a roaring competition that terrified some chickens! 🦁📖🐔

Deutsch: Du kannst diesen Podcast auch auf Deutsch hören: “Africa with André auf Deutsch”

** Please tell your friends about this podcast, and leave me a rating on Spotify or Apple. I would love to hear from you - send me your questions, comments and ideas to [email protected]  **

Hilma Weber website: https://hilma-weber.com/

Examples of Hilma’s books: https://hilma-weber.com/books/

-             Children’s Picture Atlas of Namibia

-             Children’s Picture Atlas of Africa

-             The Treasure Hunt (A Tale of Friendship)

-             Hear Me Too

-             The Feelings

Development Workshop Namibia: https://dw-namibia.org/ecd.php

Information about The Sahel: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sahel

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Sound credits: uppbeat.io/ and https://pixabay.com/ 

Lukhanyiso is a dynamic young South African woman who tells us about following her dreams through good times and tough times: from South Africa to Switzerland and back again. She now runs a travel company giving visitors the chance to meet local South Africans – and thereby get a deeper understanding and love of our country. We chat about what South African food is, and where to find the loo with the best view…

Deutsch: Du kannst diesen Podcast auch auf Deutsch hören: “Africa with André auf Deutsch”

** Please tell your friends about this podcast, and leave me a rating on Spotify or Apple. I would love to hear from you - send me your questions, comments and ideas to [email protected]  **

Lugi Design Travel: https://lugidesign-travels.com/

Tim & Angelique’s Eco Lodge near Sedgefield: https://reflectionsreserve.com/

Sculpture Garden near Stellenbosch: https://www.dylanlewis.com/studio/sculpture

Beau Constantia: https://www.beauconstantia.com/

Constantia Winelands: https://constantiawineroute.com/

South African Tourism: https://www.southafrica.net/

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Sound credits: uppbeat.io/ and https://pixabay.com/